About this role
Job summary
This role combines the skills and experience of a health care assistant with administration skills, to provide high quality information gathering and on surgical site infections (SSI). They will support the Trust's SSI surveillance (SSIS) programme by collecting, validating and maintaining high-quality surveillance data in line with UKHSA and Trust requirements.
Working with a degree of autonomy under supervision, the post holder will be responsible for accurate and timely data collection across inpatient and post-discharge surveillance pathways on surgical site infections, supporting patient safety, quality improvement and statutory reporting.
The post holder will liaise with patients and staff to collect relevant information for submission to the UKHSA, ensuring information is collected and inputted accurately and attention to detail is always maintained. An element of patient facing ward-based working will be necessary as there is a key requirement to enter data from the start of the patient journey through to discharge from hospital.
Main duties of the job
You role will be to collect and manage SSIS data for eligible surgical procedures in line with Trust and national protocols, ensuring all relevant cases are captured with complete and accurate datasets. Work closely with patients, clinical staff, and colleagues to gather and validate information from multiple sources, including patient records and microbiology results. Maintain and update surveillance systems, support post-discharge monitoring, and identify potential infections, escalating concerns appropriately. Additionally, handle enquiries professionally while adhering to confidentiality and data protection standards.
About us
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Collect SSIS data for eligible surgical procedures in line with Trust and national surveillance protocols:
Work with patients and staff to ensure robust collection of information regarding surgical site infection. This includes ensuing all relevant operations are captured and full data sets are completed for each patient.
Liaise closely with colleagues, both within and outside of the Trust, to facilitate prompt data collection and when appropriate.
Close working with the ward staff, ward Clerks and Clinics
To answer telephone enquiries in a professional manner, seeking advice and guidance to ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with rules on patient confidentiality and data protection.
Enter, update and maintain accurate surveillance data on the UKHSA SSIS system and Trust databases
Extract and interpret information from electronic patient records, theatre systems, clinic letters, discharge summaries and microbiology results
Undertake postdischarge surveillance activities, including monitoring and recording patientreported outcomes
Identify potential surgical site infections and escalate to the SSIS Coordinator or IPC team in line with agreed procedures Undertake routine data validation and completeness checks to support highquality surveillance
Professional Development, Education and Training
Participate in induction and mandatory Trust training
Undertake training related to SSIS systems, surveillance methodology and information governance
Maintain and update knowledge relevant to SSIS and data quality
Participate in appraisal and personal development planning
Planning and Organisation
Plan and organise own workload to ensure surveillance timelines and reporting deadlines are met
Work across multiple data sources and specialties in a structured and organised manner
Contribute to service planning by highlighting data quality issues or process gaps
Research and Development
Support surveillance activities that contribute to service evaluation and quality improvement
Assist with data preparation for audits, reports and benchmarking
Contribute to improvements in SSIS processes through feedback and suggestion
Communications and Working Relationships
Work closely with the SSIS team and Infection Prevention and Control staff
Liaise with ward, theatre and clinic teams to clarify or obtain surveillance information
Communicate professionally and sensitively when dealing with patientrelated data
Escalate concerns or uncertainties appropriately and in a timely manner
Other
Adhere to Trust policies, procedures and codes of conduct
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Act in a manner that supports equality, diversity and inclusion
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role and banding as required by the service
General Working Conditions
Officebased role with prolonged periods of computer and screen use
Clinical visits to inpatient and outpatient areas
Crosssite working may be required
Standard Trust working hours with flexibility to meet service needs
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training Essential
Evidence of basic IT training or experience Willingness to undertake Trust and UKHSA SSIS training Good general education
Desirable
NVQ level 3 or equivalent relevant experience
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Ability to interpret clinical documentation and electronic patient records Good organisational skills with an ability to prioritise workload Competent IT skills including use of databases, spread sheets and electronic records systems
Clinical/Experience Essential
Experience of working in an NHS or healthcare environment in a clinical capacity Experience of data collection, data entry or administrative work
Personal Attributes Essential
Methodical and well organised approach to work Willingness to learn and develop new skills Ability to work as part of a team Willingness to work across both hospital sites
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)